Young Elmvale prodigy recognized for coding talents
A 12-year-old local with autism has been recognized for his creativity and video game coding.
Kenny Parkes from Elmvale is one of nine North American winners of the Code Ninjas Prodigy Program for his ability to create a drone-themed video game.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
"The recognition? I feel great," Parkes said. "I mean, just look at what this whole thing's all about."
Parkes' 'DRONESLAUGHT!' game was judged to be the best in the continental northeast section of Code Ninja's Prodigy Program.
"It's been a whirlwind of amazingness," said Ken Parkes, Kenny's father. "Code Ninjas really encouraged Kenny to (develop his game) and we're so happy we did."
Despite being diagnosed with autism, Parkes became an active member of the Autism Ontario community. His family then used the funding they received from Autism Ontario to enroll him in coding lessons with Code Ninjas in Barrie, one of over 400 Code Ninjas locations across the continent.
"Kenny struggles with a lot of social situations," said Christina Pittens, the director of Barrie's Code Ninjas location. "But he's never let it discourage him from exploring his hobbies and excelling at them."
With the skills he learned in more than three years at Code Ninjas, Parkes created the idea for his 'DRONESLAUGHT!' game.
"My game is a shooter," Parkes explained. "You have to try and shoot the 'trashers' who stole all of your inventions."
Parkes persevered through a month of coding, debugging and play-testing before bringing 'DRONESLAUGHT!' to life.
"It's a pretty fast-paced game. I think that definitely speaks to Kenny's character," Pittens explained. "He's always got so much going on. He's always at a level ten. Which is why I say he always brings the energy up in the centre."
On Saturday afternoon, Kenny had the opportunity to celebrate his contest-winning game and showcase it in front of fellow Autism Ontario community members and Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.
"To just get that recognition and to get that confidence from the win, I think, will do Kenny so much good for the future," stated Nuttall. "We're all behind him going forward."
Parkes also won a family trip to Dallas, Texas, and he plans on making a website for his game so everyone can play it.
He hopes his passion for coding will allow him to become a full-time game developer when he grows up.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.